Lucas Paqueta exit imminent at West Ham amid telling social media activity

Lucas Paqueta looks set to get his way and leave West Ham in January.

West Ham fear Pauqeta could go on strike to force through a move after seemingly making up his mind on a winter exit.

Tottenham have been linked to Paqueta, with the potential of the Brazilian following Mohammed Kudus to North London on the table.

That appears to have fallen by the wayside as Paqueta is seemingly edging closer to a Flamengo return, seven years after his 2019 exit.

It is unclear what sort of conversations are ongoing about a move for Paqueta, but based on his social media, it seems a move is likely.

Lucas Paqueta previously dismissed West Ham exit rumours

Paqueta was linked to Aston Villa in the summer, with a Midlands move looking highly likely ahead of deadline day.

Fabrizio Romano said “Here we go soon” on the deal, before everything fell apart on the final day of the summer window.

The attacking midfielder went on to play for West Ham on 31 August, scoring in a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

His celebration was a clear sign that a deal with the Villans was off the cards as he acted out his throwing a phone away before kissing the Irons’ badge.

That was followed by a message to supporters, which gave them plenty of hope for the future after a frustrating run of form from the 28-year-old.

He took to Instagram to say: “It’s about choosing those who welcomed you, who never judged you, who believed in you until the very last moment, who loved you and made you feel at home.

It’s about staying loyal not only when you had everything, but also when there was nothing… It’s not time to say goodbye yet! Let’s go together for one more season!

It seems as if he has decided not to choose the claret and blue faithful in January, with his radio silence representing cause for concern in E20.

Paqueta social media silence points towards imminent transfer

The ex-Lyon man wasn’t afraid to speak out and let fans know that links to Villa wouldn’t result in him joining Unai Emery’s side.

The rumours were immediately put to bed by his Instagram post, but the same sort of message hasn’t been shared amid Flamengo links.

Lucas Paqueta in a West Ham kit with Rodrigo Mattos update.
Credit: Rodrigo Mattos on X/Imago

His honesty could prove to be the final clue that suggests a move back to South America is on the cards this winter.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the final weeks of the window and what Paqueta says if he does take to social media.

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